Nino's top 10 most beautiful places in Sicily

Coming to Sicily? Want to know where to go? Here’s Nino’s top 10 most beautiful places in Sicily.

Nino was born in Sicily in Giardini-Naxos right near Taormina and has spent most of his life with a foot in two worlds of Sicily and Australia. We live in both countries for half the year and appreciate the beauty of both. But you are coming to Sicily, so here are the most beautiful places in Nino’s opinion!

1. Favignana

This island will take your breath away! It is nestled in the crystalline waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea off the coast from Trapani. It known for its stunning limestone cliffs and hidden coves in azure waters. A haven for beach and nature lovers. It has quaint fishing village charm and a rich history dating back to the time of the Phoenicians and in more recent times Sicily’s history of tuna fishing. You can rent a boat, a scooter or a push bike to get around the island. The ferry takes about 1.5 hours to get out to Favignana.

2. Marzamemi

George Clooney and Zucchero both visited this charming little town this year on the south-eastern coast of Sicily. With cobblestone streets and pastel coloured buildings and a lively postcard perfect piazza, there is a photo moment around every corner. Marzamemi is famous for its tuna fishing culture and travellers can enjoy some of the best seafood you will eat in Sicily here in this unspoiled little gem of a town.

3. Eolian Islands

Which island is the most beautiful? Well, it’s hard to say as they are all unique in their beauty. There are 7 island in total: Lipari, Salina, Vulcano, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi, Alicudi. You can ferry hop from island to island over the summer months and enjoy island living Sicilian style.

4. Erice

Erice is a medieval town frozen in time and reminds me of something out of a King Arthur movie. It is perched above the beautiful city of Trapani and overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. You can take a cable car up or drive up the winding road to this stunning hilltop town. There are some beautiful places to eat that specialize in the local pasta is called ‘busiate’ and quaint gift shops all through the town selling local crafts and wares. The view is breathtaking.

5. Taormina

Taormina is probably the most famous city in Sicily known for its beauty. It is poised on hill overlooking the Ionian Sea and stunning views of Mount Etna at the side. It is an elegant place with charming streets lined with boutiques, cafes and historical landmarks and unparalleled views.

6. Cefalu

This charming little city is situated up the top of Sicily on the northern coast and not far from Palermo. Cefalù’s beaches are nestled between ancient ruins, a large Norman cathedral and lots of great cafès and places to eat. I love to shop in Cefalù for clothes and ceramics.

7. Ortigia

Ortigia is an island in the heart of Siracusa connected by bridges. Its labyrinth of streets are full of Baroque architecture, stunning piazzas, ancient ruins and fantastic markets. It even has its own castle that you can explore overlooking the rocky coastline and beautiful green waters.

8. Castelmola

This small hilltop town situated above Taormina has breathtaking views of Mt Etna and the Ionian Sea. It too has its own medieval castle, Castello Saracena, and a special bar that you have to see! There are some great places to eat here but they really are hidden gems! DM us if you want a recommendation.

9. Valley of the Temples – Agrigento

Nino and I are pretty well travelled, and we still reckon Valley of the Temples is absolutely one of the best and most beautiful archeological sites we have ever seen. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and consists of 7 temples that stand against the backdrop of rolling hills. The story of the temples is also as captivating as the view and the temples themselves.

10. Noto

Noto is a large town in the southeastern Sicily with exquisite Baroque architecture with wide boulevards and grand squares. Noto has its own special colour. It really is beautiful and I took one of my favourite photos there years ago of the men meeting in the piazza Sunday morning.

I could go on and on as there are so many more beautiful places in Sicily and I hope these give you a few ideas for your trip to Sicily.

Yours in travel,

Catherine x